[Central News Agency] Guo Wengui, a wealthy exiled Chinese businessman, was arrested in New York today and charged with defrauding about US$1 billion (approximately NT$30.6 billion) from supporters of his anti-China activities.

He is wanted by the Chinese government and has a close relationship with Bannon, a former political adviser to former US President Trump.

Guo and his fugitive accomplice, Je Kin Ming, allegedly defrauded participants in an investment scheme to buy luxury goods, including a yacht, a A 4,645-square-meter mansion and a Ferrari worth $3.5 million.

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The crimes reportedly took place after Guo Wengui fled China in 2014.

Guo Wengui, a former multi-billion real estate tycoon who went into exile and became an outspoken critic of corruption within the Chinese government, still faces charges including fraud.

In addition, the Justice Department said Guo used his reputation as a critic of the Chinese government to gain a large online following while he was in exile in New York.

It is reported that these supporters are encouraged to donate or invest in non-profit organizations or businesses controlled by Guo Wengui, including his company GTV Media Group, and Trump's former political adviser Steve Bannon is on the board of the company.

His campaigns have since raised hundreds of millions of dollars, including an online club that promises lucrative luxury perks to members, the cryptocurrency platform Himalaya Exchange and the Himalaya Farm Alliance.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Guo Wengui and Yu Jianming misappropriated the funds for their own use, including the purchase of Guo Wengui’s real estate and yachts in New Jersey.

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